[Day 3, EA] Court: The Floor

[Cearnach]

This space is for the official, formal business of court. Please visit the Court Actions rules to interact in this thread.

Stepping into court today, one might almost think that this morning's tremors had never occurred at all. The assembled notables stand or sit with not a hair out of place, and the comforting shadow of the Empress' presence behind her screens does much to dispel the lingering concerns some of the more junior courtiers have been exchanging in hushed whispers.

[Otomo Keihime]

After a short time, Otomo Keihime rises from her seat on the dais and moves to the presiding position. Speaking in a clear voice, she declaims:

"Your Imperial Majesty, Beloved Kinsmen, and Honored Delegates of the Clans of Rokugan, this court is now in session. We are eager, of course, to review any business you may wish to bring before the Empress. However, before we begin this, a certain matter has presented itself as an unfortunate corollary to the matters pertaining to the Succession which were raised yesterday."

She took in a breath, her expression one of carefully composed neutrality.

"Among the names mentioned yesterday as possible heirs to Her Imperial Majesty, Lord Ikoma named Seppun Tomaru. Seppun Tomaru has long served as a member of Her Imperial Majesty's security team. It has been raised to the Office of Imperial Personnel that, while Seppun Tomaru has given exemplary service over many years, yet there are some among the Court who are concerned that a potential heir serving in such a role may create certain complications between duties such that a benevolent court could not ask one samurai to endure, and that it would be better were he permitted to serve either one role, that of guardian, or the other, that of a potential heir to the throne.

We are willing, at this time, to hear arguments both for and against the following proposition: that this Court is resolved that Seppun Tomaru ought to resign from the Empress' security team until reinstated by the Hantei."

The Question Has Been Put. As Otomo Keihime is presiding, the TN for court actions is 23. Otomo Keihime is an Otomo Courtier

[Seppun Sadako]

Sitting in her place on the dais is the Lady Seppun. Normally, she sits with the stone-like stillness for which her Family is known. But at the Adviser's declaration, those paying the most careful attention will notice that her jaw clenches ever so slightly, and her hand almost twitches as if to reach for her scrolls--which, seeing as she is the Lady Seppun, are in easy, easy reach.

The Miharu standing behind her is such a person, and his hand tightens just a touch on the haft of his spear.

It may be possible that one or two of their comrades have similar reactions.

[Agasha Yuna]

Agasha Yuna steps forward. Today she is wearing a green kimono with gold embroidery in an elegant floral motif, touched with pink and orange color on the petals.

"Otomo-sama, I wish to register my surprise that there is a potential conflict between guarding the Empire and being a potential heir to it. Do not all the candidates have the most sincere desire to guard and protect the Empire and those present here, to the best of their ability? Each has a different role. All are not blessed by Heaven to be powerful shugenja. But each surely shares an absolute commitment to the security and health of all present. And above all, the Empress."

"Do any candidates wish to state something to the contrary to explain how a conflict of interest - a complication of duty - is possible in this case?"

"Seppun Tomaru-sama has, as you said, demonstrated nothing but excellent judgment in his faithful service. And decisions about the role of the Hidden Guard and its members surely are for Lady Seppun to decide. I leave that decision to them, but in great confidence that any adjustment would not be because of a complication of duty."


https://sakkaku.org/r/15881 49 vs 28 (1 raise called) Etiquette/awareness
15 court points

[Otomo Keihime]

Otomo Keihime smiled in gratitude at the Agasha's intervention.

"Agasha Yuna proposes that the matter be left to the discretion of Lady Seppun as the authority responsible for Seppun Tomaru's service." She opens her hands to suggest that she is pleased to receive that proposal.

"Is this position shared by any of you? Are there other positions on this question?"

[Asako Kenichi]

A lone Phoenix stepped up.

"Certainly, Otomo-sama. Agasha-san's argument does remind me of a story, Ichiro and Jiro of an old, forgotten House..."

The Asako went on to explaina shirt story about squabbling siblings and the fraternity of love after they fiound that the true i heritance of their House was the bond they made along the way.

Also, neutral party arbiters are important.

OOC:
Concurring with Position:
D3 court, storytelling/Awa, Vo8ce, vp for +1k1, 2 cr, tn 33 | 7k6 ⇒ 36 (TN: 33)

[Doji Noriko]

Doji Noriko steps onto the floor and signals with her fan. It is clear that she has something to say.

What transpires next is somewhat strange. Keihime seems almost to look through her for several palpable breaths, not acknowledging Noriko's presence, but Noriko remains resolute, her fan extended, her pose executed perfectly, and somewhere in this test of wills, Keihime blinks and it is Noriko who moves forward and begins to speak.

"Most Blessed Empress, Officers of the Court, Fellow delegates, it is my humble wish to speak to the heart of this matter. An anonymous observation has been made to the Office of Imperial Personnel. There is no reason for us to speculate as to the identity of the complainant" We all already know who it was.. "But they have left us handling a weapon pointed at the heart of an honorable man, who has served his entire life in the steadfast and pure role to which his birth has made him fit. It is foolish to contemplate that corruption is beyond any theoretical person, but we are not dealing with the theoretical. Anyone who has known Seppun Tomaru knows his honor and his humility. He is no danger. I propose that he remain as he is: a righteous example of a man committed to duty and also a potential Emperor."

Courtier/Awareness+Void, 3 raises, + Doji Courtier free raise. | 10k8 ⇒ 79 (TN: 38)

Doji Noriko has 30 Court Points.

[Doji Shinnosuke]

After Noriko speaks, Shinnosuke approaches to be recognized as well. Assuming he is...

The young actor's manner projects humility and reasonableness. Though he's tidied up quite properly for court, there is a bandage covering a scrape on his hand, acquired while (attempting to) help move rubble at the mine site earlier this morning; rather than commit the gauchery of flashing this around, he's holding his fan deftly in his left hand, but the clean white cloth can still be seen peeking from within the layers of his court sleeve if you look for it.

"Your Majesty, and my lady Advisor." He bows courteously. "Members of the Court. Doji-sama, Asako-san, and Agasha-san have all spoken honorably, and I share their faith that there is no reason to doubt Seppun Tomaru-sama's Honor and sense of Duty. But," he pauses delicately, "I feel a still deeper cause for unease within these anonymous whispers."

"To suggest that Seppun Tomaru-sama is unfit to guard Her Majesty because his position as her possible heir may compromise his performance of his duties--is that not much the same as suggesting that Tomaru-sama does not have the proper character to inherit the Empire?" He casts his eyes down unhappily as he points this out, as if just saying it is causing him deep discomfort. "To say that Seppun Sadako-sama, as his lord, must decide on this matter---is that not asking Lady Seppun to decide whether he is fit or unfit? To turn this question upon the court, is that not asking the courtiers--asking me and you," he gestures gracefully with his fan to the assembled nobility, "to decide, ultimately, whether we think Tomaru-sama is the sort of person who is fit to be Emperor?"

"And yet yesterday Her Majesty bound the clans to agree that decision is for her alone to make. My liege lady took that oath with the greatest sincerity, as did all of yours. Unless Her Majesty's mind has changed on this matter, it seems to me these," he clears his throat, "anonymous concerned persons should place their trust in Her judgment. If She sees fit to relieve Seppun Tomaru-sama for any reason, that is one thing. But as She has not done so before now, how could it be our place to question Her?"


---

D3 EA Court--Action 1, Introduce Own Position, base TN 23, 2 raises, Courtier/Awareness + Prodigy + Benten + VP | 9k6 ⇒ 51 (TN: 33)

Shinnosuke advances a slightly different take on the issue: Quibbling about this point so directly may be disobedient to the Imperial edict on the succession, which the Crane are committed to honor. 20 Court Points.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"I think Doji Shinnosuke-sama has the right of it," Sayomi added, bowing as she joined the courtly assemble. "Speaking of these unfounded doubts of Seppun Tomaru-sama only casts shadows and make rifts in the promise given to the noble Empress by our liege lords. It would be the same as questioning the honor and integrity of all the other potential successors as well!" She shook her head for dramatic effect.

"Maybe these concerned individuals should step into the light instead of skulking in the shadows to present their doubts."

------

D3 EA Court. Concur With Shinnosuke. Courtier/Awareness. 1 Raise. +1k1 Void | 8k5 ⇒ 54 (TN: 28)
+15 to Shinnosuke's position.

1/2 Court Actions.

[Akodo Kenji]

This seemed important enough that yet another Lion was prepared to support the Crane.

"Honourable members of the Court. I find I must also raise my voice to concur with Doji Shinnosuke-sama. The Empress has declared her intent in this matter. The successors have been chosen."

He bowed deeply before returning to his place to await further comments on the manner at hand.

Roll
D3 EA Court. Concur With Shinnosuke. Etiquette/Awareness. No raises. | 6k3 ⇒ 29 (TN: 23)

+10 to Shinnosuke's position.

1/1 Court action.

[Otomo Tooru]

Otomo Tooru rose next.

"This is a difficult moment for all of us. I have known Seppun Tomaru for as long as I can remember. He has been like an uncle to me for all that time. A faithful man. A kind man. But the terms of this new moment are different than those we have shared in the past. The pressure is greater. The stakes are higher. The weight more burdensome than it is right that any man should bear. The throne has put its trust in men before who, when put to difficult tests, discovered limits they had never known before. They failed the throne and themselves, leading to turmoil and ruin.

It is my considered opinion that it is not fair, it is not kind, it does not return to Seppun Tomaru the faith he has shown to us, to place that burden upon him, to put him to that test. A test, I may add, that others have already begun to fail. No, the proper thing is to allow Seppun Tomaru to be either one thing, the faithful servant of the throne, or another, its potential occupant. He must, for the good of his soul, resign his current role in order to be prepared to accept his new one without blemish, and I beseech the Empress to give him that mercy."

[Otomo Tooru Advances own position, but tepidly, without raises. He knows this is not developing as planned. +10 Court Points]

[Seppun Sadako]

The Lady Seppun stands suddenly, so much so that the Emerald Champion's hand moves toward the handle of his blades.

She speaks, and while her voice is level, it is the level of something being held so.

"It is curious that the question of Kanehime-san's service was not brought to his commanding officer," she says. "It is curious that the question of his service is brought by those who have, in the past, received it directly. After all, the Lady Adviser and the Lord Otomo both benefit from the vigilance of Kanehime-san's peers even now, in their own persons, as they have from Kanehime-san's own service; he has been in both of their security details at various times, during which they found no fault with him. Indeed, if memory serves, both wrote glowingly of his labors on their behalf.

"And it is curious, too, that there is question as to whether one in service to the Throne can be faithful while being potentially its occupant." Here, she looks firmly, burningly at Keihime. "If the question must be raised about one, then how much more must it be raised for another who stands higher and who, falling, would certainly land more heavily because of that height?

"No," Sadako continues, "if there is a question about the fidelity of one of mine, then there is a question about the fidelity of all of mine. And that is a question that seems to ask for a sharp answer."

[Otomo Keihime]

Otomo Keihime takes a step backwards from the fury of Lady Seppun and opens her mouth--

[Hantei Retsuhime]

--only to be silenced by a cough from the throne. A loud cough, and then the unsteady rise of the silhouette.

"I've had enough."

A cough.

"Seppun-san, get your hand off that sword. We're above threats, here. I am sure that whoever made the original observation meant well, but we can all see this has gone too far. It is boring. It is a waste of our time. Knock it off."

She sits back down. "Next piece of business."

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako kneels at the Empress's words, touches her forehead to the ground, and resumes her seat.

She stares straight ahead.

She might not be blinking.

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime turned slowly to face the court, putting her side toward Lady Seppun--perhaps an indication that she was not afraid. Perhaps.

"The Empress has closed the previous debate and has called for the next piece of business to be brought forward. The court will hear the next proposal."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

After a few strained moments of silence, a slim Yasuki holding a scroll stepped forward and bowed low.

“If it please the Court, I have the honor of proposing an agreement of cooperation between the Crab and the noble Boar Clan, to strengthen our western borders and facilitate river trade in the region.”

Unrolling the scroll, Ryoichi read the terms in a clear voice. A detachment of soldiers posted to support Shiro Heichi, reduced tariffs from Crab inspectors at river ports between the Boar and Badger provinces, along with certain quantities of jade, iron, copper, rice, sake and stone changing hands. The sheer mundanity of the trade agreement was a welcome respite from the previous tension.

—
3EA Court, Introduce trade agreement with Boar with 2 raises, Etiquette/Awareness +Benten’s +Mastery +Void Point TN33 | 10k6 ⇒ 36 (TN: 33)
succeeds for 20 Court Points

[Otomo Keihime]

Important treaty business

Lady Keihime frowned slightly.

"An interesting proposition on several accounts. However, the court requires that the treaty be submitted for proper scrutiny. Therefore, we invite you, Yasuki-san, or another member of your delegation, to stipulate the quantities of the commodities that you are trading, so that the Empire may understand and comment upon the exchange."

[Doji Hikaru]

-Important Crab Treaty

Keihime Response

"If it pleases the Court" A new voice enters, with Hikaru bowing low. "The protection of the Minor Clans has long been an admirable duty the sons and daughters of Hantei, and one fulfilled admirably. It does not, cannot, on its own change the inherent inequity of in resources to that a larger Clan holds. As a matter of principle, does it not benefit the Badger to seek what they deem important on their own and allow them to prosper with reciprocity" Hikaru pauses, hoping to appeal to the age old tradition of matching gifts. His eye flit back over to Ryoichi "I request that leeway be given in arrangements such as this, so long as the arrangement not be an obvious imbalance, and therefore require Imperial protection.

Hopefully that was soft sell enough.

_________________________

Court Action 1/1 - Support Ryoichi position
D3 Court - Court Action 1/1 - Support position of Yasuki Ryoichi - 1 Raise called for TN 28 - Courtier/Awareness - VP spent | 8k5 ⇒ 31 (TN: 28)
Pass with one raise, 20 Points to Yasuki Ryoichi's proposal

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Ryoichi bowed graciously at the voice of support from Hikaru, then turned to address the questions posed by the Imperial Advisor.

"I have the exact numbers written here," the Yasuki said, presenting a scroll describing the exact terms for the sake of posterity. "They are as specified by Lord Heichi and agreed to by Lord Kaiu." He gave a bow of acknowledgement towards each of them at this.

"For the benefit of those assembled, the amounts are:

The Boar will provide 10 Jade, 3 Copper, 2 Iron, 2 Rice to the Crab.
The Crab will station a detachment to support the Boar, reduce Crab tariffs along the River of Gold for Boar/Badger trade, and provide 5 Sake and 2 Stone to the Boar."